Serum nitrate and NOx levels in preeclampsia are higher than in normal pregnancy

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To compare nitric oxide (NO) serum levels in women with and without preeclampsia. Methods: 106 women were classified into preeclampsia group (n = 40) and normotensive group (n = 66). NO content was measured in the serum. Clinical and laboratorial data were recorded for comparison. Results: Preeclampsia presented a significant increase in nitrate and NOx levels compared to the control group. Uric acid, gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and creatinine showed correlation with nitrates and NOx. Conclusion: Increase of NO was observed in preeclampsia women. Failure in the mechanism of action, dependent on cyclic GMP, may justify this finding.

KEYWORDS:

• Cyclic GMP
• endothelium-dependent relaxing factors
• hypertension
• nitrite
• pregnancy-induced
• vasodilatation

Acknowledgments

We thank all the women who participated in the study, and the assistance service whose support made this study possible.

Sources of funding

CAPES, CNPq, FAPERGS, and HSL-PUCRS Brazil.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

CAPES, CNPq, FAPERGS, and HSL-PUCRS Brazil.